The following guide will show you how to Stream Local Channels for free in 2026 on Firestick and Android TV/Google TV devices.
With millions of people across the world cutting the cord, many are looking for ways to stream local channels without a cable subscription.
Those who own Fire TV and Android TV/Google TV devices now have several options to watch local channels without cable using antennas, streaming apps, and live TV services.
This article provides both free and paid options for viewing local channels with ease.
How to Stream Local Channels in 2026 (Best Options)
1. Free Local News Apps
The best way to stream local channels for free is through free local news applications. These are all available in Google Play and the Amazon App Store. These free apps allow you to stream live news broadcasts and on-demand clips.
Zeam
Zeam is the top free app to stream local channels on Firestick and Android TV, aggregating live newscasts and on-demand clips from nearly 300 local stations across the U.S.
It’s completely free, requires no sign-up, and recently acquired NewsOn in late 2025 to expand its market coverage even further.
LocalNow
LocalNow delivers free local news, weather, traffic, and regional sports tailored to your zip code, pulling content from The Weather Channel and local station partners.
With 400+ channels covering news, lifestyle, and entertainment, it’s one of the most well-rounded free options to stream local channels on Firestick and Android TV.
Very Local
Very Local is Hearst Television’s free streaming app that lets you stream local channels and on-demand news from its 30+ owned ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates across major U.S. markets.
It also includes original true-crime and lifestyle shows, and runs completely free with ads on both Firestick and Android TV.
NewsOn
NewsOn lets you stream local channels free from 285+ stations across 135+ markets, with both live broadcasts and on-demand news clips available on Firestick and Android TV. As of December 2025, NewsOn is owned by Zeam, so expect the two services to gradually merge into a single platform.
Network News Apps
Standalone apps like NBC News NOW, CBS News, ABC News Live, and Fox LiveNow provide free, 24/7 national news streams with regular local and regional segments mixed in.
They’re available on both Firestick and Android TV and are a reliable backup when your market isn’t well covered by Zeam or LocalNow.
Haystack News
Haystack News is a free, personalized news app that lets you stream local channels alongside 400+ national and world news feeds on Firestick and Android TV.
The algorithm learns what you watch to surface relevant stories, and an optional $4.99/month Premium tier removes ads if you want a cleaner experience.
Amazon News App (Fire TV Only)
The Amazon News App (now part of Fire TV Channels) is a free, built-in option for Firestick users that pulls local news from 250+ stations across 158 U.S. cities.
It lets you customize your feed by city and topic, but note that this app is Fire TV exclusive and is not available on Android TV or Google TV devices.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported live TV service with a dedicated local news section featuring feeds from most major U.S. markets.
Alongside its 250+ general entertainment channels, it’s an easy way to stream local channels free on Firestick and Android TV without any account or subscription.
Pluto TV Review
Pluto TV Website
Tubi
Tubi is best known for its huge free movie library, but its live TV guide also includes eight local news channels covering top U.S. metros.
It’s 100% free with ads, runs on both Firestick and Android TV, and is a solid secondary option if Zeam or LocalNow doesn’t cover your area.
2. OTA Antenna
Another reliable method to stream local channels without cable is using a TV Antenna for OTA (Over the Air) channels. This only requires a one-time purchase and provides all local channel access with a simple setup.
There are both indoor and outdoor Antennas available which will never buffer and do not have any monthly fees. Learn more about antennas with the best options for your household using our OTA Antennas guide.
3. Live TV (IPTV) Services
Most live TV services offer local channels as part of their subscription packages. These services work directly on Firestick and Android devices and provide a legal way to stream your local stations.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is one of the best live TV streaming services to stream local channels, offering ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS in 98%+ of U.S. households.
It includes unlimited DVR storage to record local broadcasts and watch them later, with the base plan priced at $82.99/month and new genre-specific tiers starting at $54.99/month.
YouTube TV Review
YouTube TV Website
Sling TV
Sling TV is the most budget-friendly option for streaming local channels, with Sling Blue subscribers getting access to local NBC, FOX, and ABC stations in select markets.
Pricing starts at $45.99/month for Orange or $50.99/month for Blue, and AirTV integration lets you pair an OTA antenna with the Sling app to expand local access.
Sling TV review
Sling TV Website
fuboTV
fuboTV is known for its sports-heavy lineup, but it also includes local network affiliates like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in most major markets.
It’s an excellent pick for users who want local news alongside regional sports networks, with plans starting at $73.99/month for Pro and a free trial available for new users.
Final Thoughts from Troy
Streaming local channels on a Firestick or Android TV device has never been easier. Between free apps like Zeam, LocalNow, and an OTA antenna setup, there’s a legal option for every budget and every market.
For most cord-cutters, I recommend starting with a free local news app, then adding an OTA antenna if you want access to your full local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX broadcasts.
Are there other apps and services you use to view local channels? Let us know in the comments!
The post How to Stream Local Channels for Free (Fire TV & Android TV) appeared first on TROYPOINT: Tech Tutorials On Firestick, Kodi, Android TV Box, VPN, IPTV, Streaming, & More.
